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Environmental change shows itself in countless small ways. Engage your powers of observation to discover evidence of these changes in one of the world’s most fragile and beautiful places.

In the high slopes of the Andorran Pyrenees, as in other mountain regions, climate change has already begun to alter the landscape. Some species are moving to higher latitudes, and some have begun to decline. The ways humans use the land also causes shifts in the natural order of things, but little research has been done on how people have impacted this particular place. Questions of how climate change and human encroachment continue to alter this alpine world need answers as local organizations work towards sustainable solutions.

While trekking through this striking landscape, you’ll be among the first to search for these answers. Not much is known about the amazing biodiversity of the forests and alpine meadows, and your team will help identify the key species in the ecosystem and how they are changing. You will weigh and measure small mammals, find boreal owls and other bird species by visiting their nest boxes and spotting them through binoculars. You will also study alpine flora, survey snowbed vegetation, follow the growth of tree species, and detect bats. These tasks will help researchers find out how animals are faring, and how to best protect key species. The research will also help to determine when natural events, like plant flowering and pollination, are occurring. Understanding the timing of such processes can help scientists learn if species’ life cycles are becoming out of sync with each other, which could have serious consequences for the health of this ecosystem.

Lead scientists

Accommodation and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

Mountain ecosystems are some of the world’s most endangered; climate change is already pushing species to higher elevations.

Help researchers learn everything they can about the animals and plants that inhabit this Alpine world.

Mountain environments are one of the most important ecosystems on Earth. Often referred to as water towers because of their downstream benefits to rivers and other essential water systems, mountains also provide other key resources to humans and wildlife alike. Your powers of observation will be vital to researchers as they try to answer the basic who, what, when, where, why, and how of this ecosystem: Who, among plants and animals, live there, and what are these species up to? When and where are they observed? Why are some species present in certain areas and absent in others? And finally, how do the life stages of these species intertwine to make this ecosystem function?

Volunteers help researchers learn how to protect this delicate Alpine environment from climate change and human encroachment.

By joining this expedition, you’ll help track this incredible diversity of plants and animals. You’ll also help increase our understanding of the complex network of interactions among them. With this knowledge, scientists can help better manage this fragile environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change and other human activities that alter this ecosystem. With an intimate yet also broad knowledge of the Pyrenees, they can help shape conservation policies to ensure that wild flora and fauna, as well as humans, can get the most out of this beautiful environment.

About the research area

Valley of Ordino, Andorra, France, Europe & Russia

You’ll spend your days in the Ordino region of the Andorran Pyrenees, a landscape dotted with mountains, lakes, and spectacular scenic overlooks. In warmer months, you might see large flocks of sheep, horses or cows freely grazing in the Alpine pastures kept by their iconic white Pyrenees guard dogs. Overhead some of Europe’s most emblematic eagles and vultures wheel, looking for prey. Other animals that frequent the region include the occasional deer, isard, marmots, and a variety of birds and butterflies. Visiting wolves coming from Italy and France have also been occasionally seen in the region, and the site is also at the limit of the distribution area of small but growing population of the introduced brown bear. With the help of camera traps, you will help detect the presence of these evasive species.

Visitors are often drawn to the Andorran Pyrenees by the wide range of outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, and skiing in the winter. There’s also a wealth of cultural sites to discover, including towns and cathedrals that date back to the Middle Ages.

The project team includes a Catalan scientist and field team leaders. This team will spend days and evenings with you, sharing their knowledge and interests to provide you with the natural and cultural context of this amazing landscape.

Your days in this stunning environment will vary. Sometimes you’ll work at a research site close to home, and on other days you'll walk amidst the mountains at high elevations. Throughout the expedition, you'll see much of the countryside, from wooded mountainsides to quiet valleys and open pastures. You will help:

Monitor small mammals. Keep an eye on the health of vole, mouse, and shrew populations by capturing them, collecting measurements, and safely releasing them.

Track biodiversity. In each of the 12 sampling stations, you will take note of all the plants and animals you see, check some of the more than 100 nest boxes for birds and owls installed, and monitor camera traps set up by the researchers.

Follow daily growth of tree species (Pinus uncinata) along the elevational gradient using high-tech equipment.

Survey endangered vegetation of the currently disappearing natural snowbeds, and study how artificial snow is affecting the accompanying vegetation.

In the late afternoon, the team will return to the hotel to rest, record data, and identify photos of animals taken by camera traps. Evenings will include a communal dinner and time to rest, see some local sites, or learn more about the research.

NOTE: The January expedition is a 7-day, winter team and has an adjusted itinerary and field protocols. This team will be more strenuous as volunteers will be hiking with snow shoes, and the research focus will be altered slightly. Please review the expedition briefing for more information on the specific itinerary and tasks. Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

Engage your powers of observation to discover these signs in one of the world’s most fragile and beautiful places.

The Scientists

MEET THE LEAD SCIENTIST

Bernat Claramunt

Lopez

Researcher and Ecology Lecturer, CREAF (Centre for Ecological Research and Forestry Applications)

ABOUT Bernat Claramunt Lopez

Dr. Bernat Claramunt López studies ecological networks of vertebrates at high elevation environments, its resistance to the entry of invasive species, and the effects of global change on the interactions. Additionally, he leads a capture-mark-recapture project on alpine marmot population in the Pyrenees to understand the success of its establishment, the effects on the host community, and to assess the differences with the native population.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Hotel with mountain views

Wireless internet

Local Pyrenean cuisine

In an Andorran Pyrenees village called El Serrat, which is located in the Valley of Ordino, you will stay at a comfortable hotel with a pool, wireless Internet, and access to beautiful hiking trails. Take in the view of the surrounding mountains from your room (which you’ll share with another teammate) or from the terrace of the hotel’s restaurant. Hotel Bringué is in the center of the four valleys where the research will be conducted.

You’ll eat most breakfasts and dinners at the hotel, where you’ll be invited to taste and discover some of the infinite possibilities of the rich Andorran traditional gastronomy, a mountain cooking with French and Catalan influences. For lunch, the team will pack sandwiches, fruit, and other snacks to enjoy while taking in the scenery.

“You'll never forget the Andorran Pyrenees!”

Andorra is a beautiful country. We hiked to different research sites and each one offered amazing views and landscapes. It was lovely to be able to spend time doing the research in these alpine environments, rather than just hiking to the top and then going down again. Bernat and his team were incredibly helpful and made the research engaging. Through studying nest boxes, mushrooms, camera traps, dendrometers, birds, and insect traps, there was an opportunity to try different types of activities and expand your knowledge. The researchers continually emphasized the importance of the project and made sure we understood how we were helping them! The accommodations were great! It was very comfortable and the pool was a nice way to relax. There was plenty of food and a nice variety of options. I also appreciated that the accommodations were so close to the research sites, after a long day of hiking it was nice to be able to get back in less than 15 minutes. Overall, it was an incredible experience!

This is an awesome trip, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to observe the beautiful Andorran Pyrenees from (sometimes very!) steep mountain peaks, lush, picture-perfect valleys, and everything in between. Don't be fooled, the hiking can be tough, although Bernat and the team are able to adapt day-by-day depending on the team, and also split into smaller groups if needed. However, once you've hiked up a steep mountain side with a rucksack full of tree-measuring devices, bird-boxes, or shovels to dig up tea bags, the sense of achievement and the views from the top make it absolutely worthwhile. Plus there are frequent stops to re-fuel with biscuits (and chocolate!) provided by the guys. The days and scenery are varied and there is ample opportunity to try your hand at all the different tasks at the different sites. My favourite was tree measuring, not least because scrambling through the undergrowth on a steep mountainside with a GPS (roughly!) indicating the next location is a challenge well-worth completing. The team need those data-points after all! Having a world expert on mushrooms to break up the tough hiking to tell you whether that nice looking spotted red fungus you just saw is safe to eat or not only adds to the fun. All in all, highly recommended. A huge thanks to Bernat and all the team for giving me an experience I'll never forget.

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Jean Bouteiller|10/7/2017

“Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees a Great Experience!”

Just back from my first Earthwatch expedition, which was Wildlife in the Changing Andorran Pyrenees. Wish I had not waited so long for my first one, but it was certainly worth the wait. Our leader, Bernat, and the rest of the staff were truly outstanding. They patiently and enthusiastically led us through all of our tasks, and answered even the most mundane questions cheerfully. The landscape was beautiful and dramatic with the snow-capped mountains, and steep terrain. The hiking was challenging, but adjustment to the altitude came quickly. There were options available to those in our group who did not wish to take on the most strenuous hikes, and for those that wanted to push themselves, there was ample opportunity there as well. If you enjoy being in the mountains and want to participate a wide variety of scientific research this is a trip for you.

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Joseph Young|Monday, September11, 2017

“Climate Change in the Pyrenees Mountains”

Well planned, well executed expedition.

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Joanne Bleiler|Monday, August7, 2017

“A powerful experience in a very unique place!”

Have you ever wanted to be a "real scientist"? This is your chance to do so in an absolutely stunning, and uniquely important, part of the world! You will understand the fragile ecosystems of the Pyrenees Mountains and what scientists are doing to learn more about how climate change and human encroachment is impacting this beautiful place. You will work with scientists who are amazing in the depth & breadth of their knowledge & skills, motivated & passionate about sharing with others, and effective in educating & training "citizen scientists." You will work with volunteers from different countries, each bringing something valuable to the experience. You will learn research techniques and use a variety of tools and strategies to collect data. You will understand and appreciate the level and intensity of the work scientists are doing on a daily basis. You will be armed with this powerful experience and knowledge and an intense motivation to bring it back to your own community and find ways to involve others in the conversation. You will be a "real scientist!"

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Scott Peacock|Thursday, August3, 2017

“An active expedition lead by an amazing team”

This expedition is very busy and high activity , so be prepared to enjoy hikes up beautiful mountains in sometimes glorious and sometimes less glorious weather, with a busy time at the research sites taking readings or tagging small mammals or birds. The evenings are very social with very good food and wine followed by a review of the days camera captures or a talk on an interesting topic. Views are breathtaking, and thats from someone that lives in Norway! The team lead by Bernat is very knowledgeable and fun and the days just fly by. The day in the middle is well organised and a mix of culture and shopping if you want. Main tips: Gatters really needed on occasions as is good light weight walking boots and recommend at least one walking pole. Pack for both hot/ sunny and cold / wet weather..you can get both! Finally, highly recommend explore Barcelona before or after the expedition..a great and busy city. Or if want something less busy , try Tarrogona, 1 hr west on the coast.

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Jean Peacock|Monday, July31, 2017

“Fresh, fit and fanatical in the Andorran Pyrenees”

This was my first Earthwatch expedition and exceeded my expectations. It is one of the best holidays I can remember ever having. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very personable leaders imparted their knowledge in a relevant and practical way, and experts and volunteers alike interacted and worked together as a great team, whether in small groups or together as a whole. The work was challenging and interesting and we were made to feel that our contribution was valuable. Plus, we learned so much! I would highly recommend this expedition to active outdoor types of any age who care about the environment, and who enjoy being outside all day regardless of the weather conditions.

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Connie Mashock|Monday, July10, 2017

“"Participate side by side with science researchers"”

Earthwatch is a unique experience...there are few travel experiences that take you in to do actual field research that has an impact on science as we know it. I feel so fortunate to be able to participate side by side with science researchers collecting important data that may impact the scientific community and I have no doubt in my mind that global changes exist.

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Brooke Sabin|Monday, July10, 2017

“"Exceeded all my expectations"”

This was my first Earthwatch expedition, and it exceeded all my expectations, from the gorgeous mountain setting and fascinating research to the delicious nightly feasts. It was a real privilege to learn from lead scientist Bernat and his assistants Jana and Irene, and to spend nine days with a great group of people working together on a worthy project.

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Alexandria Kranz|Monday, July25, 2016

“Science for the no science person”

This Earthwatch was well run and highly enjoyable. It involves a lot of hiking and some of it is difficult so be prepared and in good physical shape. I'm not a science person and I enjoyed it!

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Alvin Daniel|Wednesday, July20, 2016

“A warming Eden, and how we can study and learn from it”

By far the best Earthwatch experience I've had. The terrain is incredible, the accommodations world class and the research clear, accessible and immediately relevant as we try to understand the impacts of a warming world.

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Dean Zrucky|Monday, July11, 2016

“No better way to meet Andorra than through Earthwatch!”

I have been a science teacher for 20 years. If I had had a teacher in high school that exposed me to this kind of experience, I would be saying that I have been a field biologist for 20 years. Instead of signing up for expeditions, I would be leading teams of volunteers. The experience in Andorra was thoroughly eye-opening, giving a total experience of what scientists do in an effort to battle environmental issues such as climate change. Not only were we in the field 6 of the 7 days for at least 6 or 7 hours, but lectures explained the research, representatives from the government came in to speak, and data & sampling techniques were discussed. The researchers were patient, energetic, kind, & motivating. The scenery was stunning; every excursion looked like we were hiking through a postcard. Accommodations & food far exceeded expectations. The hotel was beautiful, overlooking a valley, the packed lunches were satisfying when we were in the fields, and the dinners offered plenty of choices, blending Spanish and French cuisines, as well as introducing students to new foods such as rabbit, venison, & cuttlefish. overall, it was a well planned, well done, & well worth it experience.

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Jordi Buckley Paules|Wednesday, June8, 2016

“A stellar expedition which unites people from all walks of life through their common interests”

A great introduction to new research methods in the sensibly preserved Andorran Pyrenees. The staff's enthusiasm radiated and created a marvelous atmosphere within the group of volunteers. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have contributed towards meaningful research whilst simultaneously having a blast with a diverse yet ultimately cohesively bonded group of strong and intriguing individuals.

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Nita Losoponkul|Wednesday, June8, 2016

“Andorran Pyrenees, a must!”

The expedition to Andorra was unbelievably amazing and I've already told the team to expect me back again soon. Though the hiking was tough (steep terrain, some snow in May), the scenery was breathtaking and made it all worth it (see my photos on instagram!) I had such a great time with Bernat and his team in the French Pyrenees that I jumped at the chance to check out a new locale and I'm so glad I did. The staff is super helpful, high energy and a lot of fun. And the meals at the Hotel Bringue were amazing - 4 courses each night! My only regret is that I ate too much and didn't shed as much weight as I'd hope, given the exercise. But good food, great company, fresh mountain air and spectacular hiking is extremely rejuvenating and I can't wait to go back.

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Paul Collander|Wednesday, October 21, 2015

“Nature in ballance, but how long?”

The Pyrenees have been on my list to visit. When EarthWatch had an interesting project there I signed up as soon as I found a matching time slot. This was months ago, now I arrive with 12 other interested volunteers to Toulouse airport to be picked up by two young and enthusiastic researchers. Soon we were at the foothills and got acquainted to the mountains and each other. We had people from California to Malaysia and Europe in between. And I was not the oldest this time.

We had a lot of different tasks to find out occurrence of insects and animals, small and big. Small traps and camera traps I had used on earlier expeditions but here the steep slopes added to the excitement as we needed to keep balance, avoid slipping and search for plants and scat at the same time. Instructions were clear and inspiring. In addition to the formal research we saw a lot of big birds and enjoyed the hillside sceneries. Nice to see people still live on these mountain slopes and make a living from farming, forest and sheep. Some excitement came when we heard about the brown inhabitants in this bear country. Working days were long, but we were there for a reason!

Thank you to all volunteer buddies and to the organizers! Again a nice and meaningful EarthWatch expedition.

Paul

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Brenda Myers|Wednesday, June 03, 2015

“The upside of time on the mountain side”

I just had a phone conversation with a friend who wanted to know about my experience on this Earthwatch expedition. Roughly 15 minutes into my enthusiastic monologue, she asked "Well, were there any downsides?" I paused, and thought, but I could not think of any.

The expedition was a truly incredible experience. Here are some of the upsides that I mentioned to her:

* The beautiful Pyrenees -- ahhh, so amazing. We got to enjoy them in all their variable Spring glory.

* The other volunteers -- endlessly interesting people from the US and Europe - great conversations and great fun.

* The work -- it can be hard (the hikes long and the slopes steep) so take the fitness recommendations seriously. But, I loved every minute of it: I learned a ton about the habitats and inhabitants of the Pyrenees as well as about scientific methods for studying them.

* The accommodations/food -- exceeded my expectations. The owners of the inn were very hospitable, and worked hard to navigate the maze of dietary requirements we presented.

* Making a difference -- I *hope* that my small contribution will help inform the research and make a difference in the Pyrenees; I *know* that my time spent there has made a difference in me. I came back with renewed energy and commitment to seek out opportunities closer to home where I can make more regular and sustained contributions.

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Freddy Ramirez|Tuesday, June 02, 2015

“Awesome and unique experience”

This one of the most scenic expedition I've been involved in recent years. It's quite demanding from the hiking stand point. However; experiencing as a volunteer to help researchers to complete their studies, enabled me comprehend how important is to understand the climate and the impact onto the Pyrenees ecosystem, and how we all could contribute to make a difference to this never-ending, yet growing problem.

The 9-day-program activities included; among the environmental safety briefing about the mountain and its ecosystem, daily demanding activities of casual observation while hiking and climbing elevations from 1,000 to 6,600 Ft above sea level, assembling and dismantling small Mammal Traps, monitoring Bird Nesting Boxes, conducting Forrest Plots to study pollinators over flowers, inspecting Camera surveillance for animals behavior, survey bats during night time, and analyzing predominant animal deposits throughout the entire expedition.

This expedition will change your perspective how to see the wild world from a different angle. Very educative and the researchers make it very engaging to all participants.

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Amy Kvalseth|Monday, May 18, 2015

“Fantastic Experience!”

The breadth of experiences I had on this expedition was terrific. This was the first team out, so there were logistics to be worked out with the group and the work. We had two groups, one doing the more strenuous hikes at higher elevations and the other group hiking in the lower elevations (though still strenuous), but the tasks were similar and as described in the briefings. Measuring and counting trees was challenging on the steep slopes, but fun and rewarding. We learned to identify birds by their calls as we sat for 15-minute stretches listening and counting, to identify flowers blooming in mountain meadows along transects, to check bird boxes, to check camera traps - all while hiking through beautiful mountain scenery.

The scientists were fabulous at teaching and making the work fun. Languages were an added bonus, as the scientific team was from Catalonia in Spain, whereas the study was in France. It's an expedition not to be missed.

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Debra Oexmann|Friday, August 15, 2014

“Challenging and rewarding!”

Can't say enough nice things about my experience with the EarthWatch expedition, Wildlife in the Changing French Pyrenees! The scientists were friendly, fun and engaging. Their commitment to their research and its potential effect on the people of the region was admirable! The days were a bit strenuous but at the end of each day I really felt good about what we had accomplished! The whole experience was very rewarding!

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